New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-09-29
THE GRAND ARMY ON PENSIONS.

Upon another page appears uiscoe VI VIZ
views which have been contributed by the
veterans of the Grand Army 10
the general discussion OF the sun
icct of pensions in response to the
circular request of THE TRIBUNE. 1t is an
interesting and suggestive compendium, ana
we ask our readers to study it carefully Inc
entire mass Of material in our hands has been
considered in making up this summary, though
much oft still remains to be published. IL
can be confidently stated that The TRIBUNE
is developing the whole scope and
extent of the subject. 1t has been
taken up by writers and speakers
and out of this debate there ought to grow
Mt length a thorough comprehension OF what
is fairly due from the public to the soldiers.
and such complete and equitable legislation
as will settle the pension question once ior
all on a basis satisfactory to those for whose
benefit it is enacted and distinctly credltaole
to the Nation.
Information of this character has never
been collected Systematically before upon such
a scale, and in explanation of its appearance
in our columns it is sufficient to say that HE
TR,BUNE is a newspaper and not pension
agency, that it has no axe to grind or predlc-
ton to verify, that it is in the habit OF asccr-
tanning public opinion before recording 1t, and
that there is no more important subject oil
discussion at the present time. While Re
publican sentiment in Congress and throughout
the country, last winter, was compelling the
adoption of a liberal pension measure, and
after the President had interposcd his sneering
veto, it was defantly proclaimed by his per-
4 L., tl,a
which share his indifference 10 the claims oil
the soldiers, that the soldiers themselves
would scorn to be placed in such an attitude
before the country, that they did not want
anv such legislation as the Dependent Pen
sons bill. and that it was passed by dema-
cocucs, not TO do justice but to catch votSs'
Thcreupon The TRIBUNE, unhampcred oy
any cheap prophecies of this Sort forthwith
set out TO learn the facts by gong straight 10
the soldiers themselves for information. The
general result of this inquiry appears to-day.
Nothing could be more prcposterous than
the desire which has been manifested In GER
tain quarters to stilc the utterances OF tho
Grand Army on this subject. Since Congress
is VIGOROUSLY in need if not in search, OF light
from all sources, it closely concerns that body
to hear what $4,000 brave soldiers and good
o;,,,ors have IN say about pensions The
great mass of loyal people feel no sympathy
with hcartcss cynicism at the expense Of Union
veterans. whether it be expressed through an
Executive solo or a subscrvient chorus. What
over legislation il may be just and wise TO
ado,t in their behalf, the soldiers have
right to be heard, and to be heard not only
with profound respect but with tender APP
prcciation of their achievements and sacrifices.
their modcsty patience and Devotion their
advancing years and their declining strength
Approached in this spirit. the pension problem
Will be cqutably solved, Congress VIII hnd
itself in accord with the people, and the soidlers
will be satisfied. To that end THE TRIBUNE.
invites particular attention to the discussion
" hich has been going on in its columns 10 inc
summary which is presented to-day ana 10
The contributions which viii appear hereafter.